Saturday, October 1, 2016

1. Strong start: It may have been just an exhibition game, but Saturday night was all right for the Mavericks. Recall that they lost their exhibition last year and proceeded to start the regular season with four losses in a row. On Saturday, after surrendering an early Regina goal, MSU scored four goals in a row — three in the first period and one 22 seconds into the second. Brad McClure scored twice, which might also be a good sign, as noted in my game story (link below). "Everyone was pretty hyped up in the first period," McClure said. "It was definitely something to build on."

2. Welcome to college hockey: Exhibition games are a great opportunity to watch the newcomers, and MSU's rookies made an impact in the game. Marc Michaelis, who was listed as the first-line left wing, playing with McClure and C.J. Franklin, had a goal and an assist and four shots on goal. Defenseman Ian Scheid made a wise pass to set up MSU's first goal, and third-line left wing Nicholas Rivera set up the second. Parker Tuomie and two shots on net and was the left wing on the second line, and Josh French, who hit a post, was the fourth-line center. Charlie Gerard had three shots on goal. He was listed as an extra forward. Michael Bigelbach and Edwin Hookenson were the fourth defensive pairing on the chart.

3. Home and health: Coach Mike Hastings was pleased about two things after the game: 1. That no players were hurt in the game and 2. That they won at home. There was a decent student turnout for the game. Official attendance was listed at 2,015, and, for once, that seemed low. Teams can dress as many players as they want for exhibitions and just one player, senior Zach Stepan, did not dress. He is out with a lower-body injury and is week to week, Hastings said. Each of MSU's three goalies played a period, and each allowed a goal as they combined for 17 saves. The Mavericks had 41 shots on goal.

Deep thought: The game had a female referee as Krissy Morrison worked the game. It wasn't a super-busy night for her and Jordan Lee. They called 10 minor penalties in all (four on MSU).

And one more thing: The Minnesota State women's team won 2-1 on Saturday at the Verizon Center to complete a sweep over RIT to start the season. Mankato East graduate Savannah Quandt, a senior, scored the game-winner, the first GWG of her career. The Mavericks are 2-0. They won three games last season.

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The Free Press

Shane Frederick

Shane has been covering Minnesota State hockey, the WCHA and other college and high school hockey in the Mankato area for The Free Press since 2000. Give him a call at 507-344-6373 or drop him an email him at sfrederick@mankatofreepress.com.